Combination garment including hat, scarf and gloves

ABSTRACT

The present invention may be described as a combination of a hat or hood with material extending outward and downward from the lower portions of the rear section of the hat or hood in the form of opposing sections of a scarf. The first and second scarf portions are capable of being fastened together by a Velcro® closure, zipper, or similar apparatus and have at the far end of each scarf portion pockets for permitting the insertion of each hand of the wearer for warming. Each pocket may additionally have an elasticized opening for retaining the hands within the pocket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally resides in the field of apparel. The particular apparatus may be described as a combination of a hat or hood with material extending outward and downward from the lower portions of the rear section of the hat or hood in the form of opposing sections of a scarf. The two scarf sections capable of being fastened together by either a Velcro® closure, zipper, or similar apparatus and have at the far end of each scarf portion pockets for permitting the insertion of each hand of the wearer for warming. Each pocket may additionally have an elasticized opening for retaining the hands within the pocket.

Earlier items of apparel include various types of weather protection garments. Generally, such weather protection garments include hooded garments with pockets and lower face coverings, scarves which can be worn on the head or around the neck, hats which may contain an extra fabric portion that can also wrap around the neck, and the like. These conventional weather protection garments are limited to the areas of the body that they cover and protect.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,423 [Tawfik] discloses a scarf that wraps around the user's neck and has pockets with a coupler to connect the two sides of the scarf by either a ribbon that can be tied, a button, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a pair or cooperating magnets or any other suitable means to maintain an abutting relationship between the two sides. The Tawfik apparatus does not show, describe or include a portion to cover the user's head while at the same time being a neck and hand protector. Tawfik only discloses a scarf with two muff portions to cover the user's hands. Moreover, Tawfik does not disclose a garment which contains a loop portion to receive one end of the scarf into the other. Finally, the Tawfik apparatus does not describe or show the two portions of the scarf being capable of overlying each other to cover the front lower neck of the wearer.

Many prior garments simply cover the head and neck of a user without any way to accommodate the user's hands. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,544 [Kanitz], discloses a head covering that is to be worn over the head and ears of a user and encircle the neck of the user with a portion extending down a portion of the individual's chest. The Kanitz apparatus does not cover the back of the head of a user, it covers only the top of the head like a head band. Further, Kanitz does not disclose a garment containing a loop portion to receive one end of the scarf portion into the other. Finally, Kanitz does not disclose a garment with means to protect the hands of a user.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,266 [Mills, et al.] discloses a head covering which covers the entire head and the neck and/or lower portion of the face of a user. The head covering disclosed by Mills employs the use of hook and loop fasteners to allow the user to attach portions of the head covering to various locations in order to secure coverage to the face or neck of the user. Mills does not disclose a loop portion to receive one end of the scarf portion into the other. Additionally, Mills does not disclose a means to protect the hands of a user.

Yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,517 [Ferguson et al.] discloses a hood with a lower portion that extends downward under the collar of the coat worn by a user. The Ferguson apparatus does not disclose elongated strip portions which can hang down over the chest of the user, be connected together, or be wrapped around the neck of the user. Further, Ferguson does not disclose means for protecting the hands of a user.

Other combination garments exist but do not disclose the combination of a hat, scarf and glove or pocket portion as does the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,597 [Frenchmann, et al.] discloses a garment that can be used as a tie, scarf, neck-piece, hood, belt or the like, and is formed of an elongated fabric member with opposite end portions that can be joined together by fabric portions connected at spaced points to define passages therebetween. Frenchmann does not disclose a back portion which extends downward to cover the entire back neck portion of the user. Additionally, Frenchmann does not disclose elongated portions that extend down the entire front torso of the user. Furthermore, Frenchmann does not disclose means for protecting the hands of a user.

Another example, U.S. Design Patent 555,330 [Cass, et al.] discloses a hood and scarf combination which can be wrapped around the neck of user. Cass does not disclose two separate elongated portions for the scarf which can be connected or tied together. Further, Cass does not disclose means for protecting the hands of a user. Yet another example, U.S. Design Patent 309,671 [Kassel] discloses a large hood with adjustable drawstrings and an elongated scarf portion. Kassel does not disclose a loop portion to receive one end of the scarf portion into the other. Additionally, Kassel does not disclose a means to protect the hands of a user.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a combination garment that allows a user to keep their head, neck and hands covered and comfortably warm in a convenient manner. In this respect, the combination garment according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of keeping a user's head, neck and hands covered and warm in a convenient manner. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved combination garment which can be used for keeping a user's head, neck and hands covered and comfortably warm in a convenient manner. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

An object of the current invention is to provide a casual garment that doubles as a functional, inclement weather-friendly garment which provides a scarf or shawl which covers the head and neck of the user with pockets contained within the scarf to also provide protection to the user's hands. Further, the garment is capable of being used by infants to adults. The garment may be of any type of material such as knitted or knitted with an outer waterproof layer, flannel, or any combination thereof. Other objects will appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of hats and scarves of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved combination garment. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved combination garment which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. There exists a need for a garment that can protect a user's head, neck and hands simultaneously.

The combination garment of the present invention consists of a rectangular-shaped elongated strip of material and may be made from any type of material such as knitted or knitted with an outer waterproof layer, flannel, or any combination thereof. The combination garment is comprised of a head covering portion, a scarf portion which extends downwardly from the head covering portion, a pocket or glove portion, a fastening portion, and at least one securing means affixed to the garment which connects a first and a second elongated portion of the scarf portion of the garment together.

The head covering portion has an upper, lower and rear portion, and the scarf portion is an elongated fabric extending outward and downward from the lower, rear portion of the head covering portion to form opposing sections of the scarf portion which make up the first and second elongated scarf portions. The scarf portion may be secured by a number of means, for example the first and second elongated scarf portions may be tied together. Additionally, the securing means may include snaps, zippers, Velcro® fasteners, buttons or other similar apparatus to fasten the first and second scarf portions together. The securing means may be attached to the combination garment by stitching, glue or other similar method.

The glove or pocket portion of the combination garment is located on the lower ends of the first and second elongated scarf portions. The pocket or glove portions are sized for permitting the insertion of each hand of the wearer for warming and protecting of the wearer's hands. Additionally, the pocket portions may have an elasticized opening for retaining the hands of the user within the pockets.

These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a first front view of the invention draped over a human subject hanging loosely without a crossover and utilizing the glove portion of the garment.

FIG. 2 is a second front view of the invention draped over a human subject and utilizing both a scarf crossover and the glove portion of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention draped over a human subject as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a third front view of the invention draped over a human subject and utilizing both a scarf crossover and the glove portion of the garment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second securing means for retaining the scarf crossover in a predetermined position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the crossover portion of the garment of the present invention showing the manner of securing and releasing the crossover for the insertion and withdrawal of the scarf.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pocket portion of the garment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pocket portion of the garment with a gathered sleeve portion extending outward therefrom.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third securing means for retaining the scarf crossover in a predetermined position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth securing means for retaining the scarf crossover in a predetermined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 the present invention which may be described as a combination garment 10 including a head covering portion 11, scarf 12 having a first and a second scarf portion 12 a and 12 b, respectively, a first glove portion 14 a and a second glove portion 14 b, a fastening portion 16 and at least one securing means 18 affixed to the garment 10 at a position along the scarf portion 12 connecting the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. The garment 10 is substantially rectangular-shaped and consists of any type of material such as knitted or knitted with an outer waterproof layer, flannel, or any combination thereof.

The head covering portion 11 has an upper, lower and rear portion from which the scarf portion 12, an elongated fabric piece, extends outward and downward from both sides of the lower, rear portions of the head covering or hood portion 11 to form opposing sections of the scarf 12. The first and second scarf sections 12 a, 12 b have an upper and lower end. The elongated scarf sections 12 a, 12 b are capable of being connected together by the use of a fastening portion 16 located on the upper end of the first or second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. Each of the glove portions 14 a and 14 b, located at the lower ends of the scarf portions 12 a, 12 b, include a pocket for generally receiving one of the hands of the person wearing the garment 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the garment 10 is shown with the first and second scarf sections 12 a, 12 b being fastened together by use of the fastening portion 16. The fastening portion 16 is in the form of a loop which allows one or both elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b to pass through the fastening portion 16 in order to protect the neck of the user and connect the first and second scarf sections 12 a, 12 b while simultaneously allowing access to the pockets 14 a, 14 b in each scarf section 12 a, 12 b to provide warmth and protection to the hands of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the back portion of the garment 10 is shown covering the entire back portion of the user's head and the scarf portion 12 falling to the front portion of the user to allow access to the pockets 14 a, 14 b contained in each elongated scarf portion 12 a, 12 b. With reference to FIG. 4, the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b may be tied together along any portion of said first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b under the neck of the user in an alternative embodiment and the garment 10 may be used as a head covering and scarf combination if the user does not wish to use the pockets 14 a, 14 b in the elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b.

Shown in FIGS. 5-6 and FIGS. 9-10 are various types of securing means 18 for the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. FIG. 5 demonstrates a possible loop portion as one embodiment of a fastening means 18 for the elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. The loop fastening means 18 attached to the scarf 12 allows a first or second elongated portion 12 a or 12 b to pass through the loop fastening means 18 and connect the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. In another embodiment shown in. FIG. 6, the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b may be secured by the use of a hook and loop fastening system contained on each of the elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an alternative location for the Velcro® closure located along the vertical edge of the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b. FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the securing means 18 for the first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b by employing the use of a zipper to connect the two portions of the scarf 12. The first and second elongated scarf portions 12 a, 12 b are capable of being fastened together by a multitude of fastening means 18 and are not limited solely to Velcro® closure, zipper, or loop apparatus. The fastening means 18 may be attached to the garment 10 by stitching, gluing or similar methods.

Shown in FIG. 7 is the scarf portion 12 of the garment 10 having at the lower end of the first and second scarf portions 12 a, 12 b, glove portions 14 a, 14 b sized for permitting the insertion of each hand of the wearer for warming and protection. Shown in FIG. 8 are the scarf portion 12 of the garment 10 and the pocket portion 14 capable of having an elasticized opening 20 for retaining the hands of the wearer within the pocket 14. This may be significant in view of the use of the combination garment 10 with smaller children who would otherwise withdraw their hands without the use of the elastic closure on the pocket portions 14 a, 14 b.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A combination garment comprising: a head covering portion; a scarf portion extending downwardly from said head covering portion having a first and second elongated portion on both sides of the head covering portion, said first and second elongated scarf portions having an upper and a lower end; a pocket/glove portion located proximal the lower end of the elongated scarf portions; a fastening portion; and at least one securing means affixed to said garment connecting said first and second elongated scarf portions.
 2. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said head covering portion has an upper, lower and rear portion and said scarf portion comprises an elongated piece extending outward and downward from said lower portion of said head covering portion to form opposing sections of said scarf portion on both sides of said head covering portion.
 3. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said first and second scarf portions are capable of being connected together by use of said fastening portion located on said upper end of said first or second elongated scarf portions.
 4. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said first and second elongated scarf portions of said scarf portion may be tied together along any portion of said first and second elongated scarf portions.
 5. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said securing means includes one or more selected from a group consisting of snaps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or similar apparatus for fastening said first and second elongated scarf portions together.
 6. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said securing means are attached to said garment by stitching, gluing, or the like.
 7. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said pocket or glove portions located at the lower ends of the first and second elongated scarf portions, being sized for permitting the insertion of each hand of a wearer for warming and protection.
 8. The combination garment according to claim 1, wherein said pocket portion is further comprised of an elasticized opening for reducing the size of the opening and retaining the hands of a wearer within each said pocket. 